OUR CORRESPONDENT
MANGALDAI: Hemanta Dutta, a renowned playwright, lyricist, director, actor and a resident of Bhebarghat, Ward No. 10 in Mangaldai is no more. He breathed his last on Monday morning at GMCH while undergoing treatment following a prolonged illness. He was 82. Last year Hemanta Dutta was conferred with the Assam government’s second highest civilian award ‘Asom Sourav’.
Born on September 24, 1943 to Hali Ram Dutta and Biraja Bala Dutta, he began acting at the tender age of ten. Known for his multifaceted genius, some remember him as a playwright, others as an actor, and yet others as a lyricist. Remarkably, he excelled in all these fields, enriching Assamese cultural life with his extraordinary intellect and creativity.
While studying at Kanoi College, Dibrugarh, his musical journey gained momentum. During this time, he formed close bonds with friends like Syed Sadulla, Rajen Gohain, Hiren Gohain, Bhabesh Goswami, and Prince, among others. Together, they established a cultural group called ‘Quivers Band’ and his first song was performed by Brajen Das at Dibrugarh’s India Club.
In 1977, Hemanta Dutta embarked on his professional career, beginning with songwriting for the film Natun Asha. Renowned vocalists like Jayanta Hazarika, Charu Gohain, Malabika Bora, Rajen Gohain, Dolly Ghosh, Shanta Uzir, Samar Hazarika, and Jubin Garg lent their voices to his compositions, which garnered immense love from audiences. He penned songs for numerous Assamese films, including Sadori, Sonmaina, Jiban Surabhi, Bohagar Duporiya, Shewali, Iman Maram Kiya Lage, Ei Maram Tomar Babe, Hiya Diya Niya, and Nayak. Notably, his song ‘Bondho Karibo Haat, Bondho Karibo Maat’ from the film Pita-Putra, with 116 lines, is considered the longest Assamese song ever written.
A household name in mobile and amateur theatre, Hemanta Dutta was associated with plays which were eagerly awaited by the audiences. Through his dramas, he conveyed powerful messages that resonated deeply with viewers. His plays, marked by intellectual depth and sensitivity, are invaluable treasures of the Assamese theatre movement. Initially mentored by renowned playwright-director Dulal Roy in amateur theatre, he later embraced mobile theatre, believing it would bring him closer to rural audiences across Assam. He wrote over a hundred plays for mobile theatre, including notable works like Fasi Kathot Rajkhowa, Titanic, Eta Nasto Lorar Golpo, Path, Sendur, Akashor Dore Mon, Mukti, Chakrabehu, and Jetuka Patar Rong.
His acting prowess left audiences spellbound, whether on stage or in films. Performing in over three hundred plays, he elevated Assam’s theatre scene with his unparalleled talent. From writing screenplays and dialogues to directing plays and films, he excelled effortlessly in every facet of artistic creation, achieving the extraordinary with his unmatched versatility.
He acted in thirteen Assamese films, including Natun Asha, Upopath, Shewali, Prem Aru Prem, Barud, Mon Mandir, Ghar Sansar, Pita-Putra, Ashray, Shriman Maymon, Dinabandhu, Anirban, and Dawor Aru Nai. He also made significant contributions to Doordarshan, scripting and directing seven serials and writing screenplays and dialogues for four films. Notably, he served as the art director for superhit Assamese films like Dr Bezbaruah and the widely-acclaimed Putala Ghar. Additionally, he worked as an assistant director for seven films, leaving an indelible mark on Assam’s cultural landscape. With over five hundred songs to his credit, he enriched Assamese music immensely. He has left behind timeless lyrical works such as ‘Moi Ji Batere Olalou (sung by Jayanta Hazarika), Hiyar Maram Mukuta (sung by Ridip Dutta), Gachhe Bone Seujiya (sung by Rituparna Sharma), and songs from films like Joubone Amoni Kare (Buku Duru Duru Lage Kiya Baru), Hiya Diya Niya (Nahole Porichoy Hiyare), and Nayak (Nayak Hobo Khuji), among countless others.
Recently, a collection of his songs titled Bahu Kanthat Mor Geet was published. Throughout his illustrious career, Hemanta Dutta was honoured with numerous state and national awards, recognizing him as an outstanding lyricist, actor, playwright, and director. His accolades include the Achyut Lahkar Pitamah Award, Bhaben Baruah Award, Jibanjora Sadhana Award, Padmanath Gohain Baruah Natya Award, Guruji Adya Sharma Award, Maya Media Award, Dr Bhabendra Nath Saikia Memorial Award, Moonlight Media Award, and Nata Surya Award.
Many local public organizations paid their last homage to this cultural icon once his mortal remains were brought to his native town. His last rites were performed at the Bhebarghat public crematorium with full State Honours in the presence of a large number of mourners. He has left behind his wife, a son and other relatives.
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